Gas Permeable (GP) Contact Lenses

Summary Content

At Health Today, we offer Gas Permeable (GP) or Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) contact lenses as a durable and health-conscious alternative to soft contacts. Crafted from a hard, oxygen-permeable material, GP lenses are designed to let your eyes "breathe" by allowing oxygen to pass through to the cornea, enhancing both comfort and eye health. Despite being less popular than soft lenses, the benefits of GP lenses, including their contribution to eye health, hygiene, and potentially slowing down myopia progression, make them a valuable option for many.

ADVANTAGES OF CHOOSING GP CONTACT LENSES

GP or RGP lenses offer several benefits, making them a compelling choice for those considering contact lenses:

  • Health and Hygiene: GP lenses are less prone to harbor bacteria due to their lack of water content, reducing the risk of eye infections. The material resists protein deposits, ensuring the lenses remain clean and clear.
  • Durability and Maintenance: Made from a robust material, GP lenses are less likely to tear and are straightforward to clean and disinfect. With proper care, a pair can last a year or more, offering significant cost savings over time.
  • Comfort and Custom Fit: Custom-made to fit the unique curvature and size of your eye, GP lenses provide a comfortable fit. Their oxygen transmission capabilities can reduce dry eye symptoms, enhancing overall comfort.
  • Sharp and Stable Vision: The rigid material of GP lenses maintains its shape on the eye, providing consistent, sharp vision without the dehydration issues common with soft lenses.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: The longevity of GP lenses makes them a cost-effective solution compared to frequently replaced soft or disposable lenses.
  • Astigmatism Correction: GP lenses are particularly effective for individuals with astigmatism, offering clear and stable vision where soft lenses may not.

Did You Know Alberta Health Care Covers Eye Exams?

Ages 0-18: AHS covers one annual eye exam for all children. Additional coverage for medical needs is possible; speak with your optometrist for more.
Ages 19-64: Eye exams are not covered, but check with your insurance or our visit us at Health Today for possible billing options.
Ages 65+: AHS covers one annual eye exam, with potential additional coverage for specific medical conditions; speak with your optometrist for more.
Note: Urgent eye care and infections are covered*; no referral is needed. 
*Confirm any additional costs with our Optometrist before the appointment.

TRANSITIONING TO GP LENSES

Adapting to GP lenses can be a period of adjustment, especially for those accustomed to soft lenses. Initial lens awareness, feeling the edge of the lens with each blink, may be noticeable but typically diminishes as you adjust to the lenses. Many wearers report that after this adaptation period, GP lenses are as comfortable as, if not more so than, soft lenses.

GP Lenses for Myopia Control and Ortho-K: Emerging research suggests GP lenses may play a role in myopia control, particularly in children, by slowing the progression of nearsightedness. They are also utilized in Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) for overnight corneal reshaping, offering clear daytime vision without the need for lenses or glasses.

At Health Today, our expert team is committed to ensuring a smooth transition to GP lenses, providing detailed guidance on care, maintenance, and adapting to your new lenses. We're here to support you every step of the way, from the initial fitting to long-term care and follow-ups.

Discover the clarity, comfort, and health benefits of GP contact lenses at Health Today. Let us help you find the ideal solution for your vision needs and lifestyle.

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